‘Resident Evil’ movie first reactions praise “absolutely wild” game adaptation

Zach Cregger’s upcoming Resident Evil film arrives late September, though select enthusiasts accessed the initial 30 minutes ahead of time and lauded its daring reimagining of the franchise.

Instead of mirroring specific video game titles, Cregger crafts an original narrative that unfolds alongside events from Resident Evil 2.

Filmmaker Zach Cregger describes the project as a thrilling and terrifying reinvention of the Resident Evil universe, following Bryan (played by Austin Abrams), a medical courier thrust into a life‑threatening survival race after a catastrophic night descends upon him.

In contrast to superficial adaptations aimed merely at financing, Cregger presents a genuine Resident Evil story born of sincere affection for the series. He acknowledges the challenges faced by franchises, yet insists his work arises from authentic passion.

— Nick L’Barrow – Interviews and Reviews (@nicksflicksfix) September 2 2026: The footage builds tension quickly, racing past Raccoon City and peppered with visual and audio Easter eggs. Fans can expect an exhilarating experience.

A critic noted that Zach Cregger keeps viewers on edge with relentless scares; Austin Abrams delivers a wildly charismatic performance as a bumbling protagonist. The analysis calls it a “hilariously dark vision,” calling the character’s chaotic energy a perfect match for the intense tone and delivering one of the year’s greatest jump scares, leaving audiences breathless.

Another viewer admitted that despite anticipation to review Resident Evil critically, the opening half‑hour rendered further criticism moot. They praised the film’s brutal atmosphere and lauded Cregger’s visionary approach as a compelling “banger.”

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